My quest for the best coffee and brioche in Courmayeur. After 4 days in the area, it’s official, I’ve found the best breakfast in Courmayeur.
Every time I land in Italy, the first thing I do is run to the bar (or what Americans call a cafe) at Malpensa Airport and order a cappuccino and brioche, also known as cornetto (what others call a croissant). The taste of that perfectly made and proportioned cappuccino accompanied by the sweet, chewy, yet flaky marmalade brioche, puts me in my happy place. It’s the moment I look forward to more than anything when going to Italy. When skiing in Valle D’Aosta, I was on a mission to find the best breakfast in Courmayeur. During my 3 days in Courmayeur, I visited 3 different caffes, some famous and some lesser known. After careful research I uncovered the best caffe and brioche in Courmayeur, and my answer may surprise you…
3. Caffe della Posta
Coming in at number 3 is Caffe della Posta. Yes, believe it or not, the oldest and most talked about caffe in Courmayeur came in last on my list. They might be known for their aperitivos and people say it’s the hangout place in all of town to grab a coffee, but I personally don’t think it can be classified as the best breakfast in Courmayeur. I found their cappuccino to be ok (nothing crazy). Their croissant I found to be very sub par, like a store bought and pre-packaged item. It wasn’t boiling to the touch and freshly made. It was cold and nothing special. The prices here are also outrageously expensive, but your paying for the high-end posh ambiance of the venue. Breakfast was very pricey and not worth the price in my opinion. I can’t speak for the aperitivo, but I’ll pass on the colazione (breakfast).
Keep in mind the sit down fee:
Many people don’t know this, but if you grab a coffee and brioche at the bar it will cost you less than if you sit down at a table. If you sit down at a table, you will be charged a sit down fee. Keep this in mind when you’re looking to only stay for a short amount of time!
2. Caffe Centro
Pat and I stopped by Caffe Centro on our first day in Courmayeur, it was cozy, frequented by locals, and had good quality and priced breakfasts. It has a very low TripAdvisor rating, especially compared to Caffe della Posta. The staff is friendly, the location is central, and it’s an easy, quick place to stop by for breakfast. Very down to earth. The setup is cozy and spacious and the croissants are warm and fresh.
What is the difference between a brioche/cornetto and a croissant?
Croissants are ultra flaky and airy, savory, and crumble in your hands. Brioches have a softer tender texture and a sweeter fragrance. I hands down will have a brioche over a croissant — ANY DAY. Unfortunately, I don’t know anyone who sells cornetti in New York…so I am happy with my croissants.
1. Bar La Briciola
But the winner for best breakfast in Courmayeur goes to Bar La Briciola. A Bar nobody knows about. The decor isn’t the most elegant or posh and the set up isn’t the most grand, but the lady behind the counter makes an extraordinary cappuccino and brioche. Nothing can compare to Bar La Briciola when it comes to breakfast. Especially her croissants, when you split them open, they don’t crumble. They are hot to the touch and pillow-like in texture and slightly chewy. Bar La Briciola has the ultimate brioche–hands down. Tip: Get their early in the morning before the ski lifts open, that’s when she prepares her first fresh batch. They are best eaten when straight out of the oven!
What kinds of brioche or cornetto are there?
Brioche or cornetto come in many flavors and ways. You have whole wheat, regular, and now even vegan brioches. You can order them empty, or stuffed with a variety of fillings such as marmalade, chocolate, pastry cream, berries, Nutella and more.
Want to learn more about Italian coffee beverages beyond the cappuccino? Order your coffee like a pro at il bar by familiarizing yourself with these types of coffee beverages!
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